NHTSA Complaint #10862237 — 2009 AUDI A5

RIGHT SIDE (PASSENGER) DOOR LATCH/LOCK MECHANISM FAILED. BECAUSE THE LOCK FAILED, THE ALARM SYSTEM DOES NOT SEE THE DOOR AS CLOSED AND WILL NOT ARM THE SYSTEM. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE DOOR CANNOT BE LOCKED UNLESS YOU ACTIVATE USING THE CHILD PROOF OVERIDE NEAR THE LATCH MECHANISM. YOU MUST REACH IN THROUGH THE DRIVERS SIDE TO OPEN THE DOOR USING THE HANDLE. THIS IS A SAFETY AND SECURITY ISSUE THAT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN ON ANY CAR WITH LESS THAN 55K MILES ON IT. THE AUDI FORUMS HAVE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE WITH THE B8 MODEL CAR (A4/A5/S4/S5/RS5). ADDITIONALLY, THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE OVER $650 FOR PARTS AND LABOR. THIS MAY BE A DIY IF YOU ARE VERY SKILLED (READ: A MECHANIC) AND IF YOU HAVE THE RIGHT SPECIALTY TOOLS. ADDITIONALLY, THE PART ALONE COSTS $200 FOR A NEW REPLACEMENT. USED PARTS ARE AVAILABLE BUT IF THE FAILURE RATE IS CLOSE TO THE 50-55K MILE MARK, NOT MANY OF THESE ARE AVAILABLE AND THOSE THAT ARE AVAILABLE ARE QUESTIONABLE WITH REGARDS TO RELIABILITY. I HAVE ASKED AUDI AMERICA (USA) FOR GOOD FAITH ASSISTANCE BUT THEY HAVE REMAINED SILENT.